-News-
Though often referred to as “arrowheads”, many of the projectile points found in the state of New Mexico are actually throwing spear points or “darts”, meant to be used with spear throwers (atl-atl’s). These artifacts are cultural and temporal markers for the Archaic or pre-ceramic period. Projectile points are classified by their distinctive shapes and manufacturing techniques. This point is a common Middle Archaic (5500-3500 BP) type known as San Jose, distinguished by a frequently serrated blade, concave sides and a concave base. These points were first identified by Joseph H. Toulouse and Kirk Bryan at sites within Grant’s, NM in the late 1930’s. This point was recovered during the re-investigation of these sites by ENMU archaeologist George Agogino in the 1950’s and this point is an excellent example of the type. The object is made of obsidian, the source of which is located 200 miles away in central Arizona!
Post by J. Birkmann
San Jose Dart Point
Origin: The Grant’s San Jose Sites, NM
Dates and Period : Middle Archaic (5500 - 3500 BP)
Division : Archaeology
Maxwell Catalogue # : 95.45.2
Photo Credit : J. Birkmann